Alpena, Michigan, August 18, 2025
News Summary
Habitat for Humanity Northeast Michigan is building three new homes on Bedford Street to provide affordable housing in Alpena. With a completion date set for October 2025, these homes will offer various features suitable for families and individuals, including a special residence for a retired teacher. The initiative follows the demolition of old, dilapidated properties in the area and emphasizes community participation through a qualification process involving ‘sweat equity’.
Alpena, Michigan – Habitat for Humanity Northeast Michigan is making strides to address housing needs in the community by constructing three new homes on Bedford Street, with an expected completion date set for October 2025. This initiative is aimed at providing affordable living options for families in the area, particularly in light of the unfortunate demolition of previous properties on the site.
The new homes will be located at 307, 317, and 321 Bedford St., conveniently situated near Ella White Elementary School. Construction commenced on April 18, 2025, starting with foundational work that is critical to the stability and longevity of the structures. Two of the homes will be designed with three bedrooms, one bathroom, a living room, a kitchen, a one-car garage, and both front and back porches. The third home, designated for a retired teacher who has never owned a home before, will contain two bedrooms.
The previous homes on this site, built in the 1920s and 1930s, had succumbed to disrepair and were deemed unsafe, leading to their demolition. The demolition followed a significant investment from the State Land Bank in Lansing which allocated $500,000 to the Alpena County Land Bank for the acquisition of these properties and initial environmental studies. These studies revealed the presence of environmental contaminants in the original structures, necessitating their safe removal.
To facilitate the purchase of the new homes, future residents must undergo a comprehensive qualification process through Habitat for Humanity. This process not only assesses financial readiness but also includes a unique component called “sweat equity,” where families contribute hands-on labor during various building phases, reinforcing a sense of community ownership.
Excavation services for the construction project are being provided by Dave Marchlewski, while Bryan DeCare Masonry is overseeing the general construction process. Modular homes for 317 and 321 Bedford will be sourced from Ritz-Craft Corporation in Jonesville, and the home at 307 Bedford will be stick-built, providing a mix of modern and traditional construction styles.
Habitat for Humanity Northeast Michigan’s Executive Director has highlighted the significant long-term benefits that homeownership can bring to families and individuals, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to fostering stable communities through safe and affordable housing solutions.
Collaboration has been key in this project, with Habitat for Humanity working closely alongside Montiel Birmingham, the Alpena Planning, Development, and Zoning Director, and the Alpena County Land Bank throughout the development phases to ensure compliance and support in meeting community needs.
For those interested in learning more about Habitat for Humanity Northeast Michigan’s efforts or the process for qualifying for homeownership, additional information can be accessed through their official website or by contacting their office directly.
FAQ
What is being built in Alpena?
Habitat for Humanity Northeast Michigan is constructing three new homes on Bedford Street in Alpena.
When are the homes expected to be completed?
The homes are scheduled for completion in October 2025.
What qualifies a resident to purchase a home through Habitat for Humanity?
Residents must undergo a qualification process that includes financial assessment and contributing “sweat equity” through hands-on work during construction.
Are there specific features in the homes?
Two of the homes will have three bedrooms and one bathroom, while the third home will have two bedrooms and is designed for a retired teacher.
Who is involved in the construction project?
The project includes excavation services by Dave Marchlewski and construction overseen by Bryan DeCare Masonry, with modular homes sourced from Ritz-Craft Corporation.
Key Features of New Homes
| Address | Bedrooms | Bathrooms | Garage | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 307 Bedford St. | 2 | 1 | Yes | Stick-built |
| 317 Bedford St. | 3 | 1 | Yes | Modular |
| 321 Bedford St. | 3 | 1 | Yes | Modular |
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Additional Resources
- The Alpena News: Construction Progressing on Three Habitat Homes
- WBKB 11: Habitat for Humanity to Build Fifty Affordable Houses
- The Alpena News: Habitat for Humanity Building Three New Homes
- Wikipedia: Habitat for Humanity
- The Alpena News: Hillman Family Moves into New Habitat Home
- Google Search: Habitat for Humanity construction 2025
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